Posted on: Thu 19-06-2025

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is an organisation charged with the responsibility of facilitating the development and management of the policies and strategies of all sectors to ensure the human, financial and organizational resources to support the successful execution of the national HIV/AIDS response programme in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: State Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Locations: Abia and Taraba

Reporting Line: Technical Specialist – Laboratory Systems

 

Introduction

• The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component.
• As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba).
• Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.
• In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states.
• This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system.
• Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.
• To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states, will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.
• Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

 

Role Summary

• Coordinate the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral and results delivery network across Abia and Taraba states.

 

Job Description

• Ensure samples are collected from all designated health facilities (spokes)/ hub sites and transported to the Regional PCR or reference laboratory
• Ensure SOPs, Laboratory manuals, guidelines and forms are available and are appropriately utilized at health facilities, sample processing and storage hub, referral and testing laboratories
• Periodically carry out spot checks on NIPOST facilities and cooling devices used by dispatch riders to ensure compliance with standard requirement
• Ensures diligent record keeping by the sample transport organization for samples movements and result retrieval back to the requesting service delivery points
• Carry out bi-weekly samples and results audits to ensure all samples are tested and results/reports generated are delivered to the requesting facility/hubs/Implementing Partners
• Monthly, review submitted data from sample transport organization with those of PCR/reference laboratory sites as justification for payment.
• Collaborate with STS in the other pilot state for effective management of the pilot
• Collate Abia / Taraba states specimen referral reports, review and provide weekly and monthly summary of samples transfer and result returns
• Maintain partner relationships and coordination among stakeholders in the two pilot states
• The State Technical Specialist will work closely with all implementing partners operating in the region

 

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related field; certification in laboratory or logistics and supply chain management is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in laboratory system evaluations, particularly specimen transportation systems.
• Experience working with the Global Fund and other donor agencies.
• Expertise in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral systems.
• Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues.
• Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

 

Submission of Quotations

• Sealing and marking of Quotations
• The suppliers shall submit the original and one copy of their quotation in two separate sealed envelopes, one marked “original” and one marked “copy”. The two envelopes shall then be enclosed in one single outer envelope. Both the inner and outer envelopes shall be addressed as follows:
• To the Purchaser as indicated in the Request for Quotations; and Bearing the Project name (if applicable), the title and number of the Quotation as indicated in the Request for Quotations.

Deadline for the Submission of Quotations

• Quotations must be received by the Purchaser at the address specified in below at the latest time and date specified in the Request for Quotations.
• Any quotation received by the Purchaser after the deadline for the submission specified shall be returned unopened to the supplier.
• Evaluation Criteria and Award of Contract
• Please refer to the link below for more information.

 

Salary

N600,000.00 monthly.

 

Application Closing Date

25th June, 2025, 12:00 pm.

 

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their detailed CV, which must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies one original & one copy) of the requested CV. The two copies shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope and clearly marked at the topmost right corner "Engagement of Consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States" and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below.

Attention:

Head Procurement

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)

Ground Floor Room 1.0

No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office,

Wuse zone 4, Abuja.

Or

By E-mail to: [email protected]

Pre-qualification Requirement

To qualify for consideration, interested consultants are required to submit CVs including the underlisted documents below:

• Cover Letter (Sign) – Unsigned cover Letter shall be automatically disqualified.
• Recent copy of CV
• Copies of all qualifications certificate indicated in the CV
• Relevant experiences and supporting documents
• Consultant profile

Click here for more information on the Engagement of the Consultant

Note: The submission (s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.

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